Here’s what we know: Increasingly, people in the United States do not identify as religious. According to the Pew Research Center, the number of Americans who identify as atheist, agnostic, or “nothing in particular” increased by 9% in the decade between 2009 and 2019 for a total of 26% of the adult population, while Christian religions are decreasing their share and non-Christian religions have seen small growth. This shift is even more stark when examined generationally: 25% of Gen X claims no religious affiliation, compared to 40% of Millenials. While over 65% of Americans still name Christianity as their belief system, the shifting social mores have left a void in how and by whom a meaningful life is defined.
Because of this decline, there’s been an increase in discussions about what the “New Religion” is. Here’s a very good, if long, article that essentially argues for “Productivity As The New Religion,” which I’ve heard dozens of times and makes sense. Millions of people live beholden to a to-do list; it’s one of the driving forces of modern society.
Here are some of the other things that have been deemed “The New Religion:”
- Social Media
- Being busy
- Identity
- Polarization
- Political Affiliation
